Developing a Job Analysis and Description

Undercover Boss: Hooters

Two job positions from the "Hooters" episode of Undercover Boss are the Hooters Girl waitress position and the kitchen staff member position. The method used for collecting information about these positions is the observation method. The observation method is both helpful (Trask, Mathiassen, Rostami, 2015) and susceptible to human subjectivity, as persons who are aware that they are being observed tend to act differently (Morgeson, Spitmuller, Garza, Campion, 2014). Nonetheless, it is an acceptable method of job analysis in that it provides first-hand, direct experience/contact with the position, allowing the analyst to collect information on the spot; though it should be remembered that what is being monitored is the job duties and not the person.

The job description of the kitchen staff member: the job is a high energy, fast-paced opportunity to work behind the scenes and maintain the high standards of the food that Hooters customers enjoy. The kitchen staff member is responsible for the kitchen, food and dishes and is an integral part in the success of the restaurant. The duties of the kitchen staff member at Hooters include maintaining a clean kitchen by washing dishers, stacking mugs, packing them in the freezer, "running" trash (throwing it out in the proper receptacle), do prep work for the cooks (wash the uncooked chicken wings), and clean the kitchen during every shift so that it is ready for the next. The kitchen staff member must safely handle food, adhere to quality standards, prepare food or cook it to specified instructions found in recipes. The staff member must be positive, able to lift up to 50 pounds and energized. Other duties of the kitchen staff member consist of setting up and breaking down the kitchen, communicating with team members, rotating food supplies, maintaining appearance in uniform, practicing hygienic safety measures, are being detailed in preparing the appearance of food orders.

The job descriptions of the Hooters Girl waitress: the waitress is the face of Hooters and as such should be entertaining, positive, and be charismatic. The Hooters Girl not only engages with customers, greets them, seats them, and serves them but also has a deep knowledge of the menu and items that are for sale at the restaurant. The Hooters Girl's job duties consist of supporting special occasions for customers, promoting the store, communicating with members, maintaining a high quality knowledge of the menu, and engaging with and participating in events. The Hooters Girl is responsible for serving food, handling cash, taking accurate orders, and maintaining a quality appearance in uniform.

These job descriptions are in compliance with state and federal regulatory guidelines because they are not prejudicial in any way and do not include descriptions that could be construed as harassing or biased against individuals of any race, color, creed, sex, or ethnicity. While the Hooters Girl job description is obviously geared towards women, this may be an issue regarding sexism especially as culture tends to buck trends in terms of gender identification. It is not clear whether this position would come under scrutiny by state and federal regulators since it is a novelty concept with a strong tradition behind it.